Unit for thermosetting printed fabrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital textile printing systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust the winding angle of fabric on heated rollers, which limits the flexibility in thermosetting processes based on printing speed, material type, and other operational parameters, affecting the quality of the thermosetting process.
Innovation Solution
A thermosetting unit with adjustable guiding elements that allow variation of the contact angle between the fabric and the heated roller, enabled by a rotatable adjusting device and motor-controlled gears, allowing for customizable contact time and suction of fumes during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed contact angle between fabric and heated roller is used, then the thermosetting unit has simple structure, but the quality of thermosetting process cannot be optimized for different printing parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fabric guiding device movable rather than fixed. The guiding device can be positioned at different locations along the heated roller, allowing the winding angle of the fabric to be dynamically adjusted based on printing speed, resolution, material type, and other operational parameters. This enables optimization of thermosetting quality for different printing conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fabric wraps almost completely the heated roller, then the contact time is maximized for thermosetting, but the winding angle cannot be varied to optimize different printing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable fabric guiding device enables dynamic adjustment of the winding angle, allowing optimization of thermosetting quality for different printing parameters such as speed and resolution. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the fabric-roller contact by allowing the guiding device to be repositioned. This alters the winding angle and contact characteristics, enabling optimization of thermosetting quality for different printing conditions while maintaining precise control over the process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the winding angle is adjusted for different printing parameters, then the thermosetting quality is optimized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable fabric guiding device that can be repositioned along the heated roller to adjust the winding angle. This dynamic adjustment capability optimizes thermosetting quality for different printing parameters while keeping the adjusting mechanism relatively simple, avoiding excessive structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the quality of the thermosetting process by allowing adjustments based on various parameters, preventing defects, and simplifying fabric insertion, while ensuring effective fume extraction and maintaining optimal contact during printing and post-printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The working temperature on the outer surface of the heated roller in contact with the fabric can be between 100-200° C. Heating of the heated roller can be obtained by means of diathermic oil circulating inside the heated roller in contact with the outer surface
Implementation Method 2
Heating of the heated roller can be obtained by means of diathermic oil circulating inside the heated roller in contact with the outer surface, or by means of an infrared lamp located inside the heated roller
Implementation Method 3
The fabric guiding device can be movable to adjust the winding angle of the fabric around the heated roller, and can provide suction of fumes generated during the process
Data Source
AI summary
A unit for thermosetting printed fabrics, comprising: a heated roller rotating about a rotation axis and having a cylindrical outer surface, at least one fabric guiding element having an inner wall facing the cylindrical outer surface of the heated roller and defining a gap with the cylindrical outer surface of the heated roller, for passing the fabric wherein said fabric guiding element is carried by an adjusting device rotatable about said rotation axis to adjust the angular position of said guiding element about said rotation axis.